The Mucklets Community Garden, being created on a former playground in the heart of a residential area, is open to members of the public, including families and elderly people, who live locally.
“We are keen to ensure anyone with an interest is able to get involved in whatever way works for them,” said Vikki Milne, the garden’s volunteer co-ordinator.
“The Mucklets Community Garden aims to enhance quality of life, reduce social isolation and improve access to nature for people living in and near the Mucklets and in the wider Musselburgh area.”
The garden is located in the Mucklets, between Mucklets Avenue and Mayfield Crescent, near Musselburgh Railway Station.
Vikki said: “In March, we carried out extensive leafleting in the local area and held two consultation meetings with folk who live and work locally at the garden in April.
“Based on the feedback provided, we established a group of volunteers to work together to develop the garden, creating an enjoyable place to meet, make new connections and develop support networks.
“We now have a garden plan, prepared by a volunteer garden design expert, and have begun to develop the garden to be more accessible.”
She added: “We have an email group of 15 members who receive updates on progress and a smaller group of six who are actively involved.
“I help co-ordinate our efforts and provide the regular updates.
“We are keen to link with local schools and businesses, and visited Stoneyhill Primary School Nursery, who have helped us to create a banner to let folk know what’s happening and encourage people to venture through the community garden gate.
“Through developing the garden together, we hope to grow our community, provide a source of locally sustainable food and support biodiversity.”
Vikki said that the Mucklets Community Garden was part of a network of community gardens supported by Sustaining Musselburgh, a constituted group which aims to help create a net-zero carbon, biodiverse and socially just community throughout all parts of the Musselburgh area.
The network includes community gardens at Fisherrow, Rennie Bridge and the dementia-friendly garden at Musselburgh Library.
“The network enables us to share ideas, information, knowledge and equipment,” said Vikki, who added: “We are working with East Lothian Council to develop the space as a community garden and keep them updated on our progress.
“We operate as a financially independent self-contained network within Sustaining Musselburgh.
“This year, we were successful in applying for a small grant from Musselburgh Area Partnership for 12 months to begin to develop the garden. This grant is administered through Sustaining Musselburgh.
“The funding is being used to support awareness raising and items to begin to put our garden plan into action.
“We are always on the lookout for donations of plants and equipment, and are very grateful to Stoneyhill Primary After School Club, who have generously donated three water butts.”
Anyone who is interested in getting involved with the garden or who would like to find out more hould email muckletscommunitygarden@gmail.com
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